Nathalie Ouellette, deputy director of the OMM and iREx | SkyNews
Nathalie Ouellette, deputy director of the OMM and iREx. (Amélie Philibert/Université de Montréal)

Nathalie Ouellette named deputy director of Mont-Mégantic observatory

Ouellette is the first person to hold the position.

Nathalie Ouellette is the new deputy director of the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (OMM) and the Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) in Québec.

Nathalie Ouellette, deputy director of the OMM and iREx | SkyNews
Nathalie Ouellette, deputy director of the OMM and iREx. (Amélie Philibert/Université de Montréal)

Ouellette is the first person to hold the position, which was created in part due to the connection between the activities of both organizations — including for instrument development, and for scientific communication through iREx’s partnership with the ASTROLab du Mont-Mégantic.

“Nathalie has all the qualities to be an exceptional manager for our organizations. I am convinced that her experience and leadership will take OMM and iREx ever higher, towards the stars!” said René Doyon, director of the OMM and iREx.

Ouellette has a PhD in Astrophysics from Queen’s University in Ontario. She was previously the iREx coordinator, and in recent years led the ExoBites project — short videos featuring iREx astronomers. She also presented the Canadian image during the release of the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in July, according to a news release. 

Ouellette will retain her role as the JWST Canadian Outreach Scientist, while also managing her new role as deputy director of the OMM.